Imagine an island rich in UNESCO heritage which tells its fascinating 2400-year story through its wines and indigenous grapes, with an expert guide by your side taking you through the centuries of wine excellence.

Start with the arrival of the Ancient Greeks, who first brought vines to the island from Paros, and visit the vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stari Grad Plain, where wine production methods have changed little in the intervening millennia.

Move forward to the Roman times, and the vineyards of the Pakleni Islands with their villa rusticae and Roman mud baths, before a tasting in a basement replica of Diocletian’s Palace.

Head into the Venetian period, and the Great Rebellion of 1510-1514 on Hvar, and the winemakers from Vrbanj and Vrboska, before visiting the oldest Plavac Mali vineyard in the world, one of the few to resist the devastating phylloxera of the 19th century.

Learn more about the Socialist era of wine making in the 20th century through the organic excellence of a cooperative whose wines constantly win international organic gold.

And finally to the era of modern wine making, with exciting young vintners, including the only Master of Wine making wine in Croatia, the only Croatian wine served in a 3-star Michelin restaurant, and the outstanding wines of Croatia’s leading garage winemaker.

Or try a slow food and wine experience, discovering the lost grape varieties of the island – Mekuja, Palarusa and others – long lost to other winemakers, but very much alive in this unique tour.

Our local knowledge and friendships with the winemakers mean unparalleled access, right down to private tastings with historic vintages. Chose your tasting room options from candlelit cellar, waterfront vineyard, underwater cellar and speedboat transfer to a cave.

The island is Hvar, the company Hvar Wine Tours, and the wine experience is beyond extraordinary.